December’s Ghost
This song was actually written during the Superstar video shoot back in 2008. One of the three days of the shoot was pretty much spent doing nothing, as apparently they ran out of film, so it left me some down time to write.
This song is a story about a man haunted by the woman he left behind as he’s out traveling the world and pursuing his dreams.
We were fortunate enough at the time to have the budget to hire the Erato String Orchestra to record on the song. Matt Nelson arranged the string parts and the whole experience of recording with an orchestra was incredible. I seriously recommend it.
lyrics
“December’s Ghost” by Matthew Santos
There is a ghost that knocks at my window.
She only comes if it snows.
I could tell you something about her
When she’s here, but I know not where
She goes.
And it’s high tide
On the ocean side.
It’s wind
Wind and rain
Through the great
Great plains.
It’s ice,
Ice and snow
Outside
My window
Where Mary waits
For me to come home.
Would I rather live in California?
Where they tax you for the sun.
And the people they all looking mighty fancy,
And the fires come to set you running.
Chorus
I could be the lonely captain.
I could be heaven’s host.
I could stand awake through the darkness,
Awaiting you, December’s ghost.
Chorus
credits
from This Burning Ship of Fools,
released May 28, 2010
vocals, guitars: Matthew Santos
drums: Robert Tucker
bass: Graham Burris
piano: Matt Nelson
string section: Erato Chamber Orchestra
string arrangement: Matt Nelson
recorded at The I.V. Lab, The Attic, and Electrical
recorded by Manny Sanchez and Greg Majors, assisted by Grégoire Yeche
mixed by Manny Sanchez and Greg Majors
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